Traditional Family

When Kay and I married 42 years ago, we embraced some Christmas traditions from our parents, and added some of our own unique traditions during the early period of raising five children.  We were both blessed with parents who valued family tradition, especially at Christmas time.  My parents started the Samichlaus tradition they brought from Switzerland.  At the annual December party, each child received a special sack of gifts from the older man in costume (my father.)

It has always been about family celebrating the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Reading lots of Christmas stories throughout December.

Baking and decorating grundles of cutout sugar cookies.

Nativity scenes, including the live one with costumed cousins in the hay barn at the ranch.

Christmas trees; (we remember the dead branch at the ranch, brought in and strung with lights after arriving late Christmas Eve and hiking through deep snow from the plowed street.)

Reading the Bible together the night before Christmas – Luke chapter 2, the birth of Jesus – the real reason for celebrating.
First thing on Christmas morning: a hearty breakfast including grapefruit.

Starting traditional music, typically an LP or cassette tape by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, just before lining up youngest first, to go and see what Santa brought.

Later, gratefully opening the wrapped gifts from each other.  (We avoided the mad dash and frenzy that was so common and maybe still is.)

Enjoying time together at home, rather than the children going off in different directions to friends’.
Eating healthy fast food (dark chocolate, etc.) the rest of the day, and lovin' it.

I would say we have always been a “traditional family” with traditional family values.

Wishing you a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year!